Gas vented firing chamber for firing tubes, firing jet propelled torpedo, missiles



p 1961 w. E. ENDREZZE 2 980,053

GAS VENTED FIRING CHAMBER FOR FIRING TUBES, FIRIKIG JET PROPELLED TORPEDO, MISSILES Filed Aug. 15, 1956 4 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 r\ i *1 a F W N E F; R INVENTOR.

April 18, 1961 w. E. ENDREZZE 2,980,053

GAS VENTED FIRING CHAMBER FOR FIRING TUBES. FIRING 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 JET PROPELLED TORPEDO, MISSILES Filed Aug. 15. 1956 IN V EN TOR.

MISSILES William Eugene Eudrezze, Long Beach, Salifi, assignor by decree of distribution to Ann Elizabeth Endrezze Filed Aug. 15, 1956, Ser. No. 604,201

6 Claims. (CL' 114-233) The present invention relates generally to the field of explosive launching devices, with particular reference to such a form of torpedo capable of being propelled by a gas-forming material contained therein, and th1s appl cation is a continuation-in-part of my copending applications Serial Number 283,578, filed April 22, 1952, now abandoned, also Serial Number 307,798, filed September 4, 1952, now abandoned, and Serial Number 461,121, filed October 8, 1954. I

The primary purpose in devising the present invention is to provide a firing tube through which jet propelled torpedoes may be fired accurately and efliciently for short or long range use, from aboard ship, preferably, but not restricted to a submarine, yet may be used upon suitable land installations.

A major object of the present invention is to supply a firing tube characterized by novel gas discharging means mounted for venting out of the firing chamber interior of the high pressure gases generated by the ignited and firing torpedo missile therein, a unique and novel gas passage construction that is efiicient and positivefor the purpose of firing jet propelled missiles.

Another major object of the present invention is to supply a missile firing tube characterized by a bore venting the torpedo missile gases out of the breech end of the firing tube, whereby the jet propelled torpedo missile may be tested for operation of its mechanism While firing, idled for warming up preparatory to firing, and discharged at the proper desired instant for release of the missile by means closing the vent bore.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a firing tube for jet propelled missiles, characterized by an openable, closable bore venting the firing chamber of the firing tube, thereby providing means by which the initial propellant gas pressure upon the missile within the firing chamber is controlled while burning the propellant.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide electrical terminal contactors upon the missile firing tube that contact electrical contactors upon the torpedo missile to provide means by which the jet propelled missile within the firing tube is started and its propellant ignited.

A further object of the invention is to devise valve gate means between the inner and outer portion of the bore venting the firing chamber of the firing tube. Thus, the general problem of the design of such a firing tube is to devise an acceptable and satisfactory valve gate structure, moving through an opening stroke for release of the propellant gases generated by the missile within the firing chamber; moving such valve gate structure through a closing stroke at any desired instant to seal the propellant gases within the firing chamber for instant discharge of the missile from the firing tube. T o satisfy such requirement a construction has been designed 'whereby the valve gate moves along a guide slot across the vent bore effectively sealing the firing chamber, yet capable of withstanding the great pressure of gases gennited States Patent 2,980,053 Patented Apr. 18, 1961 "ice erated within the firing chamber for discharge of the missile. The novelty of the construction resides in the details whereby this is accomplished. I

Some of the features of the invention include: (1) The torpedo, missile firing tube with its extra strength firing chamber portion that provides for the sudden initial high pressure of gases to get the missile under way; (2) the tubular thin Wall fore portion of the firing tube by which the missile is guided in its run through the bore of the firing tube; (3) a novel form of head space with respect to the breech end of the firing tube and missile end structure that provides for the escape of the gases discharged through the jet tube of the turbo-gas-jet missile; (4) a novel form of missile firing chamber bore vented at the breech end of the firing tube, providing a passage for the gases out of the firing chamber while the missile is stayed within the firing tube; (5) a novel form of valve gate structure slidable across the bore that vents the firing chamber acting as a means by which the vent is opened or closed; (6) a novel mode of employing a valve gate block mounting the firing tube through which the vent bore passes from the firing chamber, or upon the breech block of the firing tube; (7) a spring actuated valve gate mechanism triggered for instantaneous action to close the vent bore; (8) electrical terminal contactors mounting the firing tube through which they pass making contact with the starting and ignition mechanism provided within the missile; (9) electrical contactors automatically detachable through forward travel of the missile in the firing chamber.

The foregoing and several novel features of construction are embodied-in the new form of apparatus constituting the basisof the invention hereof. Other new and important features of construction will be manifest from the detailed description which follows.

There is herein disclosed the best embodiment of simplicity of the invention now known to me and that embodiment has been chosen for the purpose of illustration of the invention hereof. it will be described precisely without attempt to refer to modifications or equivalents which, however, canbe used while still falling within the ambits of this invention. The nucleus and bonds of this invention are set forth in the appending claims but possibly in less precise language than that employed in the body of the specification.

The embodiment chosen for use in exemplificaton is illustrated in the accompanying drawings constituting a .part of this specification, in which:

Figure 1 is a plain longitudinal side view of the jet propelled missile firing tube;

Figure 2 is an end view on a horizontal plane looking in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of Figure 1 to show the breech vent and mechanism;

Figure 3 is an edge view of Figure 2 as same appears when looking in the direction of the arrow 33 of Figure 2-;

Figure 4 is a plain elevational end View of the breech end of the firing tube to show the swing out breech block at the loading end of the firing tube;

Figure 4a is an end view of the swing out hinge mechanism with the breech head in open position;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4 as same appears when taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a top view of the end portion of the firing tube illustrated in Figure 7 looking in the direction of the arrow 6;

Figure 7 is a longitudinally extending sectional view on a vertical plane. This .view shows the jet propelled missile disposed within the firing chamber of the firing tube with the vent bore, valve and valve gate mecha nism. This view vividly illustrates the method, use and construction to which this invention is adapted;

Figure 8 is a vertical cross section through the firing chamber of thefiring tube, taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 7 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 9 is a cross section through the firing tube and missile taken on the line 9--9 of Figure 7. This view illustrates the electrical terminal contactors and leads to the missile starting field and armature mechanism of the turbine, and;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal side view of the stern portion of the jet propelled missile illustrated in Figure 7 to show the electrical contactors upon the missile case that make contact with the electrical terminal contactors provided upon the firing tube.

Reference is now made to the drawings in detail.

The construction illustrated as embodying the invention hereof includes (1) a thin wall firing tube having the firing chamber portion provided with an extra strength casing; (2) a gas passage aperture extending through and into the firing chamber of the firing tube so that the gases discharged by the ignited missile communicate externally without pressure upon the missile; (4) a gas passage aperture bored through the breech block in external communication with the firing chamber of the torpedo, missile firing tube; (5) a gas passage aperture bored through the breech end of the firing tube to externally communicate with the firing chamber of the torpedo, missile firingtube; (6) a valve gate block provided with a gas passage aperture fixed in alignment with the gas passage aperture bored through and into the firing chamber of the torpedo, missile firing tube; (7) a longitudinally extending sideway guide construction provided at and for the valve gate operatable openable or closable within the valve gate block; (8) a gas passage gate operatable across the bore of the gas passage aperture and housed by the valve block constituting part of the gate mechanism; (9) a valve actuating mechanism which embodies the valve gate setting and triggering mechanism for opening and closing said firing chamber vent bore; (10) a pair of electrical conductors located upon the rear portion of the firing tube that communicates through the firing tube providing electrical current to be conducted to the electrical starting and ignition mechanism by means of the contactors located upon the shell of the torpedo, missile.

The several parts listed above will be described in detail under the respective headings designated therefor.

Jet torpedo, missile firing tube of the firing tube merely acts as a guidein acceleration of the missile to attain a muzzle velocity sufficient to be borne accurately in its flight.

Breech loading The torpedo, missile 5 is loaded into the firing chamber through the breech end 6 of the firing tube to a position as shown in Figure 7 whereupon the breech block 8 is swung upon its supporting members 9 fitted in the slide groove 10 formed so that a short turn of the breech block handle 11 locks the breech block to the firing tube by means of the threaded quarter segments 12. The showing of Figures 2, 3, 4 and S are provided whereby certain novel features of the invention are adaptable for conventional breech block constructed tubes through which the missile is loaded into the firing tube. See Figure 4, as illustrated the breech block 8 is in locked position and an upward push on the handle 11 to the dotted line position disengages the threaded segments 12. (Figure 5) whereby the breech block is free to swing out of engagement from the breech end 6 of the firing tube by means of the supporting members 9 hinged as at 922 to the breech block and as at 9b hinged rigidly fixed to the firing tube 1. Upon positioning the inserted missile 5 in the firing tube the breech block is pushed in swinging into place so that a short turn downward on the handle locks the breech head of the firing tube. For under water use to maintain the firing chamber free of moisture, compressible means '71 water sealing may be circumferentially provided Breech head vent See Figure 7 showing the torpedo, missile 5 disposed within the firing tube, and ignited, discharging generated gases, arrows g, through the missile jet tube 13 and out orifice 14 to expand within the firing chamber surrounding the tapered stern portion 15 of the missile case. It should be noted with Figure 8, the stern fins 16 of the missile have their top edges 17 approximately flush with the inner wall 18 of the firing tube which accordingly divides the firing chamber into four gas filled pockets at, b, c, and d, Figure 8, to pressure upon the maximum surface area of the inwardly converging stern portion of the missile.

It is in order to digress for the moment for the purpose of explaining the disposition of the generated gases discharging behind the missile within the firing tube where the accumulated pressure of the gases would soon force the missile down the bore of the firing tube irrespective of the missiles functioning condition. Consequently the torpedo, missile to which this invention applies may require a momentary procedure to analyze the operative condition of the rnissiles operating mechanisrn for a positive conditioning prior to actual dis charge thereof. By having the torpedo, missile in place Within the firing chamber of the firing tube the positive conditioning is satisfactorily accomplished by the method of starting and ignition for generating the gases of propulsion, warming up the combustion mechanism to a positive state of readiness for acceleration in discharge of the torpedo, missile, and staying the torpedo, missile within the firing chamber while the above procedure of conditioning is being conducted.

To stay the torpedo, missile within the firing chamber and make void the gas pressure upon the missile, I have provided a bore 19 through the breech end of the firing tube, venting to the exterior the propellent gases discharging into the firing chamber from the ignited firing missile.

The missile construction to which this invention is adapted is shown in Figures 7 and 8 illustrating its functional position within the firing tube with respect to the vent bore 19' similar to the vent'bore 19 passed through the breech block 8 venting the firing chamber 4 shown in the Figures 2, 3 and 5. The Figures 7 and 8 show the jet tube of the missile within the firing chamber to be in direct alignment with the vent bore passed through the loading door or breech block of the firing tube Figure 5, and is considered a direct gas discharge method.

The breech block bore 19 has an exterior portion of its gas passage formed by the orifice 20, the under side of which confines the valve like gate 21 slidable in the beveled recess 22 formed in block 23 rigidly secured of" the helical springiseats. against the plate member 27 '5 securedto and slidable with shank 28 portion of the valve gate. The beveled portion of the valve shank slides in the beveled guide 29 provided upon the carrier in alignment with the beveled recess 22 located upon the breech block 8, and arrow 1 indicates the direction of the slidable members for the opening and closing of the vent bore.

Considering the firing missile has been conditioned for instant discharge, the trigger sear member 30 carried by the valve plate member 27 is in spring pressure cocked position, restrained by the solid lug 31 and the trigger 32 in contact with the sear. A movement upon the trigger arm 33 in the direction of the arrow rocks the trigger upon the shaft 34 supported upon end members 35 releasing the spring pressure to force the valve gate 21a into the beveled recess 22 and across the bore 19, thus instantaneously confining the missiles propellent gases within the firing chamber for instantaneous discharge of the missile from the firing tube.

The important features and parts basic for the purpose of this invention reside in the bores Hand 20 providing the gas discharge passage the valve gate 21athat provides the means by which the gas passage is closed, the valve block member 23 that provides the recess 22 within which the gate operates, and the housing therefor.

Gas generating missile system The torpedo, missile firing tube as here provided relates particularly to the field of jet propelled missiles completely void of any initial booster charge motivating means.

The missile 5 shown in Figure 7 has a flow of oxygen or its equivalent from the container 36 through the feed line 37 into a compressor compartment 38 where the compressor 39 of the turbine 40 forces the oxidizer propellant through the burner cans 41. The propellent fuel from the container 42 is fed through the feed line 43 and pressurized to be distributed among the burner cans 41. Simultaneously, conventional spark plug ignition of the propellant being passed through the burner cans is effected by feeding an electrical current through the insulated electrical terminals 44 in spring contact with the electrical contactors 45 carried upon the exterior portion of the missile case 46 to the ignition spark plugs (not shown) and to continue through the electrical leads 47 energizing the field coils 48 fixed to the casing 49 housing the starter motor of the turbo-jet motor '50. The armature 51 that rotates the turbine and its auxi iaries is fixed upon a spider 52 attached to the turbine shaft 53. See Figures 9 and 10. The product of the ignited propellant from the burner cans now converted to voluminous gases which pressure through the ducts 54 strikes the blades 55 of the turbine, spinning the turbine shaft 53 and its compressor 39 fixed upon the opposite end of the shaft. As the pressurized gases leave the turbine the .flow of the gases is through the missile jet tube 13 and orifice 14 discharging to expand within the head space 56 and firing chamber 4 of the firing tube 1.

Head space Attention is directed to the space 56 Within the firing chamber, that portion of the firing chamber between the stem end 7 of the missile and the breech block 8' provides for the firing chamber head space as a spacious means in exit for the gases discharging from the missiles jet tube. See Figure 7.

With the stem end 7 of the torpedo, missile butted up against the inner face 8a of the breech block 8 leaving no room for the gases to escape from the missile jet tube, a back pressure would build up within the missiles turbine and gas generating mechanism that would be a hazard. To avoid such hazard, 1 have provided the head space as an important means in the firing of non-booster charge torpedo, missiles from a firing tube.

Thelongitudinal distance at which the stem end of a. .the'missile is separated from the breech block is determined by the volume of gas generated by a certain propellent compound. Consequently the head space setting of the missile position from the breech head is variable to a longer or shorter distance accordingly. The shape of the stern portion of the missile exterior case is also a governing factor. I have provided the torpedo, missile illustrated in Figure 7 as a missile case having a rearwardly extending and inwardly converging tapered portion, for exposing the maximum exterior surface area of the missile case to the pressure of gases within the firing chamber. This allows for a shorter head space consistent with greater effectiveness in the discharge of the missile surrounded by the gas pockets a, b, c, and d. See Figure 8.

Firing tube vent bore Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the bore 19 venting the firing chamber passed through the breech end 6 of the firing tube directly connecting the head space 56 with means by which the propellent gases communicate from the firing chamber '4 to the exterior. This method provides for positioning the firing tube in narrow confined places requiring the breech block 8 or loading door to be free of operating mechanism for loading the torpedo, missile into the firing tube. Although the loading is accomplished in the same manner as previously described for the breech block vented firing tube, the valve gate block 23 mounting the firing tube as shown in Figure 6 is in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5 except for the base 57 contour fitting thefiring tube upon which it is mounted. See Figure 8.

A specific form of firing tube which is well adapted for use with various forms of jet propelled torpedo, missiles is the breech vented tube shown in Figure 7, it having the vent bore shown in closed condition. I have described the gas generating mechanism of the missile, previously under its respective heading, and pointed out the functional purposes of the head space, collectively provided in the further description of the firing tube.

In the breech vent of the type shown in- Figure 7, the end of the tube 1 is closed by a transversely rotatable breech block 8' which engages a portion of the tube at the threaded segments 12' as shown. The portion 3 of the firing tube is of heavy construction in the side wall of which a bore 19' is formed that communicates with the bore 20' provided in the valve block 23' situated on the exterior of the firing tube. A longitudinal recess 22 is formed in the block 23 and a rigid gate member 60 is slidably disposed in this recess. The end portion 21a of the member '60 is capable of effecting a gas tight seal with the bore 20 of the gases confined within the firing chamber. A piston 61 mounted at one end of member 60 is positioned within the confines of a longitudinally disposed air cylinder 62 affixed to the exterior breech end portion 3 of the firing tube. One end 63 of the air cylinder is closed by a tapped end piece 64 through which the extension of member 60 slidably passes, and the cylinder receives air under pressure through a twoway valve 65 and inlet 66 whereby the piston 61 is caused to move away from the block 23' withdrawing the'gate member 21a from across the bore 19' and 20' thus opening the gas vent passage. A compressed helical spring 26' encircles the round shank extension of member 60 and is disposed between the stop plate 2.7 and the end 64 of the cylinder. The helical spring 26' at all times tends to move stop plate 27 away from the end of the cylinder to maintain the gate portion 21:: in sealing contact across the bore 19' and 20. When it is desired to hold member 60 with member 21a in an open position, the piston 61 by means of air pressure is forced to the opposite end 67 of the cylinder 62 which compresses the spring 26', atrigger arm 33 is so rotated as to engage and vhold stop plat'e'27' in a position where the upper edge sear portion 30 of stop plate 27' contacts the stub 32' of the trigger arm 33'. When stub 32' is in a spring holding position it is in the vertical position shown in phan tom line Figure 7, and the mechanism is in cocked condition.

By means of the above described mechanism a torpedo, missile may lie in the firing tube without being discharged by the gases accumulating in the firing chamber during the initial starting of the torpedo, missile, While it idles or as it warms up, prior to actual discharge of the torpedo, missile, which is accomplished by tripping the trigger mechanism to instantly seal the breech vent 19: by the gate member 21a. in order to permit member 21a to seal the vent, air is exhausted from the air cylinder 61 by means of the two-way valve 65.

it is apparent that through the electrical mechanism leading current to the missile electrical circuit, the gas generating mechanism of the missile is brought to full power at the proper instant desired for discharge of the missile, at which time the tripping of the mechanism to seal the vent accomplishes the discharge of the torpedo, missile from the firing tube to be borne in flight upon the stern fins 16 and the nose fins 70 for frontal guidance to its destination.

The accomplishment of this invention makes possible for firing tubular directed jet propelled torpedo, missiles, of the turbo-jet motored type.

Shown in Figure 10, the converging stern portion of the missile case provides an effective external pressure area upon whichfthe gases within the firing chamber can exert their force in the discharge of the missile from the firing tube. The spring pressed electrical contactors 45 provided on and carried by the missile case 46 break contact with the electrical terminal 44 passed through the firing tube at the instant the missile starts to travel within the firing tube.

Also in connection with Figure the block 23 provides housing means for the gate mechanism slidable across the bore 19, with the recessed portion 22 providing the space means within which the gate openable or closable for the bore operates.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed, are defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A missile firing system for firing a turbo-gas-jet propelled torpedo missile that is driven by high pressure gases discharging therefrom, said missile firing system comprising an elongate thin Wall cylindrical tube with a bore of constant diameter that terminates on one end in a muzzle discharge opening with the opposite end thereof having a high. pressure thick wall portion that terminates in a r breech end opening through which said torpedo missile is inserted within said bore, a turbo-gas-jet propelled torpedo missile with a tapered portion forming the stern section of the missile case positioned within the breech end portion of said bore, a breech block door means rigidly engaging the breech end of the firing tube to complete the housing provided for firing of the torpedo missile through said bore, said tapered stern portion of the missile case longitudinally spaced from said breech block door providing a firing chamber with a head space within which the contained propellent gases surround the tapered portion of said missile case, a gas passage providing means by which the propellent gasesdischarging from said torpedo missile into the firing chamber may communicate to the exterior while the missile is stayed within the bore of said firing tube, said gas passage means characterized by a bore opening passing through the breech block door into the firing chamber of said firing tube, a valve block member mounting the exterior portion of said breech door and having a gas vent orifice extending through the surface thereof that is aligned with said bore passing through the breech block door, a recess housed within the confines of said valve block providing means within which a member slidable across the vent bore may operate to control the flow of gases therethrough, bore closing means operable within said recess providing the means openable closable across the vent bore and coupled to mechanism exterior of said recess by which the bore closing means is actuated specifically for the purpose as specified.

2. A firing tube system for launching a turbo-gas-jet propelled torpedo, missile according to claim 1, with the addition of external means electrically applied to actuate said missile for generating the gases of propulsion, said means including an electrical circuit through two electrically insulated terminal conductors mounted upon the breech end portion of said firing tube aligned with the two electrically insulated contact plates provided upon the stern section of said torpedo missile case, said terminal conductors having a portion thereof extending through said firing tube flush with the bore electrically engaging said contact plates of the torpedo, missile slidably disposed within said bore.

3. A missile firing system for firing a turbo-gas-jet propelled torpedo, missile, that is driven by high pressure gases discharging therefrom, said missile firing system comprising an elongate thin wall cylindrical tube with a bore of constant diameter that terminates on one end in a muzzle discharge opening with the opposite end thereof having a high pressure thick wall portion that terminates in a breech end opening through which said torpedo missile is inserted within said bore, a torpedo chamber longitudinally within said bore adjacent the breech end of the firing tube housing a turbo-gas-jet propelled gas generating torpedo missile, said torpedo chamber including a firing chamber portion surrounding the tapered stern portion of the torpedo missile Within which said generated propellent gases are contained, a breech block door means openable closable rigidly engaging the breech end of the firing tube completing the housing provided for said firing chamber, electrical current for the initial starting and ignition of the gas generating system of said torpedo missile transmitted by means of a pair of electrical terminal conductors extending through the breech end portion of said firing tube making contact with the electrical apparatus provided by said torpedo missile, a gas passage opening characterized by a bore passing through the breech end of the firing tube in communication with said firing chamber, said bore venting to the exterior the voluminous gases generated from the ignited propellant of said torpedo missile discharging into the firing chamber for relief of the pressure of said gases, while the torpedo missile is stayed within the torpedo chamber of said firing tube for operative testing and functional condition of the torpedo missile in preparation for discharge thereof, a recessed valve block having a gas aperture opening therethrough rigidly mounted upon the exterior end portion of said firing tube with the aperture of said valve block in alignment over said gas vent bore provided through the firing tube and having the recess portion between said openings, bore opening and closing means slidable within said recess to control the How 'of said gases from the firing chamber, said means a power actuated gate member slidable across said opening closing said vent and trapping the generated propellent gases within the firing chamber to a high pressure exert able upon the tapered stern portion of said torpedo for high speed acceleration of the torpedo missile down the bore of the firing tube and ejected out the muzzle end thereof.

4. Torpedo, missile firing tube apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said valve block member includes a longitudinally extending guideway recessed within the valve block member between the inner and outer apertures that constitue said gas vent passage, one end of said recess terminates in a semi-circle extended beyond the rim of said vent passage with the opposite end thereof formed to terminate in a guideway slot within which said gate member slides.

5. A firing tube system for launching a turbo-gas-jet propelled torpedo, missile according to claim 3, with the addition of means electrically conducting to actuate said missile for generating the gases of propulsion, said means an electrical circuit through two electrical contact plates disposed on the exterior surface of said missile-in alignment with the two insulated electrical terminals disposed upon the exterior surface of said firing tube and having said conductors extending therethrough fiush with the bore of said firing tube slidably engaging said contact plates of the torpedo, missile disposed within said bore.

6. A missile firing system for firing a turbo-gas-jet propelled torpedo driven by high pressure gases dischmging therefrom, said missile firing system comprising an elongate thin wall cylindrical tube with a bore of substantially constant diameter that terminates on one end in a muzzle discharge opening with the opposite end thereof having a high pressure thick wall portion that terminates in a breech end opening through which said torpedo missile is slidably inserted within said bore into the torpedo chamber thereof, the breech end portion of said bore provides a firing chamber surrounding the tapered stern end portion of the missiles case, an openable, closable breech block door means adjacent the stern end of said torpedo missile rigidly engaging the breech end of the firing tube completing the housing provided for said firing chamber, externally supplied electrical current for the initial starting and ignition of the gas generating system of said torpedo missile "transmitted by means of a pair of externally disposed electrical terminal conductors extending through the breech end portion of the firing tube flush with said bore making contact with the electrical starting and ignition apparatus provided by said torpedo missile disposed within said bore, high pressure propellent gases generated by said torpedo missile discharging through the jet tube of said torpedo missile into the firing chamber of said firing tube, adjacent the stem end of said jet tube a gas discharge bore through the breech end loading portion of said firing tube opening said firing chamber in communication with the exterior thereof, whereby the voluminous gases generated from the ignited propellant is vented out of the firing chamber through said bore to the exterior thereof, said firing chamber venting for relief of the gas pressure while said torpedo is stayed within the torpedo chamber of said firing tube for operative testing and functional conditioning of said torpedo missile in preparation for discharge thereof.

References ited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

